LABOUR “ALL AT SEA” OVER DEFENCE AFTER TRIDENT DEBATE

SNP WILL ALWAYS STAND UP TO "MORALLY BANKRUPT" TORY DECISIONS

Following last night’s vote where Labour MPs defied a leadership diktat to stay away from an SNP debate on Trident, the SNP has said Labour is “all at sea” on defence. The Financial Times has reported that Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn did not meet his Shadow Defence Secretary until minutes before he responded to the Strategic Defence and Security Review. The Financial Times has said that Mr Corbyn’s response, which largely ignored the advice of the Shadow Defence Secretary, was described as “shambolic” by one Labour MP. 

Commenting, CUNNINGHAME SOUTH SNP candidate Ruth Maguire said:

“The Defence Review confirmed this week that the cost of renewing Trident has gone up by billions and that a further £10 billion will be set aside for fear that the budget will continue to rise – yet Labour’s response has been described by his own party as ‘catastrophic’.

“In the SNP­ led Trident debate last night Labour still had no idea what their position was on something that is swallowing up an ever growing share of the defence budget – and of overall government spending. Many Labour MPs decided to vote with the Tories, some voted with the SNP and many more didn’t even bother to turn up. “We have Tory Ministers rushing to replace Trident at any cost and a Labour opposition that doesn’t have the backbone to turn up and oppose weapons of mass destruction. Labour is all at sea on this issue, but amid the confusion one thing is crystal clear – Labour cannot be relied upon to oppose a new generation of nuclear weapons being dumped in Scotland, and only the SNP will always oppose nuclear weapons and stand up to the morally bankrupt decisions of this Tory government.”  

PLEDGE "NO BEDROOM TAX EVICTIONS" FOR ANOTHER YEAR

SNP Group in North Ayrshire Council is set to to continue its policy of 'No Bedroom Tax Evictions' for a further year.

Speaking on behalf of the Group, finance and housing spokesperson Cllr Ruth Maguire commented:

"North Ayrshire’s SNP councillors are determined to do all we can to protect tenants affected by this cruel and unfair Westminster tax.  The Bedroom Tax is hitting some of North Ayrshire’s most vulnerable people.  That’s why in March last year, the SNP made a no evictions pledge for a 1 year transitional period."

“I can confirm today that the SNP Group will continue with this policy." 

“The Bedroom Tax is imposed on Scotland, despite the fact over 90 per cent of Scottish MPs voted against it.  Westminster just do not get how tough things are for many Scots suffering from UK government cuts." 

"We understand the pain and upset the bedroom tax is causing and hope that this pledge provides comfort that we will take all practical steps within our power to protect tenants."

“This year, George Osborne has already promised new, massive cuts of £25 billion – including £12 billion from welfare.

“To end this assault on our social protection, we need power over welfare here in Scotland, and polls show that most Scots want welfare decisions to be made in Scotland.  

“A Yes vote in September will deliver this”.

No eviction pledge

This weekend the SNP publicly pledged our support to those affected by the Bedroom Tax.  It is those people affected who are at the fore of all our minds and it’s incumbent on all Councillors who oppose these attacks on our communities to work together to reassure and protect. 

In North Ayrshire the SNP are an minority administration so the policy change will require support.  However in light of Labour Cllrs Cullinane and Montgomery moving a "No evictions" policy at the last full council this is likely.  

Any proposal requiring a change of policy does of course have to come in the form of a costed paper through the correct channels in the council which is why although broadly supported by the SNP group it had to be remitted back to Cabinet.  That said, with changes coming into effect on the 1st of April we felt urgent action was needed to reassure our tenants.

For help and support from North Ayrshire Council's expert Welfare Reform Advice Team telephone 0300 9994606 (calls charged at

local rates from mobiles and landlines) or email WelfareReformTeam@

north-ayrshire.gov.uk

NATO no ta.

Hopelessly naive and not tired of marching - 1 week on

When I was in primary 5 our teacher Mrs Johnston said she had something really important to tell us: There was going to be a day off as her union was striking.  I don't remember whooping at the day off but then P5 was a very diligent year at Drakies Primary, Inverness.  She told us that although she wasn't in favour of the strike she would be taking part as that was democratic. I remember feeling very grown up as she then went on to explain firstly what a union was the importance of democracy and democratic process. It stayed with me that lesson, not simply for the content but the respect with which she showed us with her honesty and explanation.

So respect, process and democracy.....even though I felt sick to my stomach at the prospect, that was how I tried to square things when the notion of reversing my parties long standing opposition to NATO membership became a reality.  The issue would be debated fully and freely, due process would be followed and I would live with the decision because that's democracy and the right thing to do.  Simple eh?

Not really.  I have had many sleepless nights since Friday trying to figure what is the right thing to do.  If I were not an elected member my membership card may well have joined others in the bucket on the way out of the conference hall.   Membership of a first strike nuclear alliance is not compatible with my long held and firm belief that nuclear weapons, weapons which kill indiscriminately and leave untold damage for years to come are wicked and wrong.  As many of the speakers touched on during the debate the nuclear issue is only one area for concern, recent reports of the increase of Drone attacks in Pakistan provide an illustration.

I will not support the new policy, and couldn't live with myself pretending to.  This is a matter of conscience for me. When brothers and sisters on the left and the anti-war movement cry "shame" for the hypocrisy it stings, because they are right.  Scotland has an opportunity to lead the way with nuclear disarmament and NATO membership at best makes it difficult, probably delays it and at worst prevents it.  

But as well as a responsibility to my own conscience, as a local elected member I have a responsibility to serve the people that voted me into this job.  A responsibility to continue on the platform I was elected on, this policy decision does not affect that.  I have to ask if this decision stops me fulfilling pledges made or aspirations myself and my fellow Councillors have for North Ayrshire, it does not.  On the doorstep when answering folk as to why there were 2 SNP candidates in the ward our message was unequivocal, the SNP wish to form the administration and run North Ayrshire council.  We are and I hope that the people who live here are beginning to see changes for the better. 

For Scotland, independence is not and cannot be about the vision of one person or political party.  To win the referendum we need many diverse voices.  I will be proud to be one of them in the Scottish National Party shoulder to shoulder with Labour for Indy, The Greens, SSP, Solidarity and perhaps most key those who have no political party as part of the YES campaign, working together for the goal that unites us Scottish Independence. 

1st Councillor Surgery

My first surgery - Tomorrow, Wednesday 5th June between 10:00 and 11:00 at Redburn Community Centre, Dickson Drive.  






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Support for Scottish Sports Alliance Goals

I am happy to add my support to The Scottish Sports Alliances 3 goals.  

Getting children into sport early provides them positive role models and establish's healthy behaviors, build confidence and belonging.  For the wider community sport socially connects individuals and groups. In terms of physical and mental health it can bring measurable differences in a relatively short space of time.  I have also seen first hand how sport can affect the justice landscape too, giving our young people a positive, sociable and enjoyable diversion.  

Three goals for sport:

1. Help every young person in Scotland get active and stay healthy
2. Make better use of sporting facilities
3. Champion the efforts of sporting volunteers and coaches

Our First Minister Alex Salmond says "The SNP support the Alliance's campaign and share Scots' passion for sport.  Getting children involved at a young age is vital, and we are committed to the delivery of at least 2 hours PE in primary schools and 2 periods of PE in secondary schools by 2014.  We support making better use of sports facilities and opening up school school sports facilities to meet the SNP's ambition for a healthier and more active nation.  However facilities are only part of the the picture - it is the time, effort and commitment of thousands of volunteers and coaches who are the backbone of sports teams and sports clubs across Scotland"

Last weekend at conference the establishment of a £10 million fund that will allow communities to bring their local sports facilities across Scotland into the 21 st century was announced, welcome news indeed.  

Electoral Reform Society backs no strings referendum

Great news today that The Electoral Reform Society have spoken out for the principle that no strings should be attached by the UK Government to Scotland's referendum.

The ERS, which describes itself as “an independent campaigning organisation to champion the rights of voters and improve UK democracy”, says it examined legislation, took on board opinions and spoke to experts before coming to its conclusion.

In today’s Herald newspaper the ERS’s Juliet Swann is quoted: “We are recommending the Scottish Parliament be provided with a no-strings-attached legal mandate to call a referendum at a time and with a question or questions of their choosing.”

And she added: “The Society supports votes for 16 and 17-year-olds.”

Welcoming the comments, Stewart Maxwell, SNP MSP for West Scotland and member of the Scotland Bill Committee, said:

“The ERS have spoken to experts and pored over legislation before coming to the conclusion that attaching strings is unacceptable and the referendum should be decided by the Scottish people and the Scottish parliament.

“This is welcome backing from an organisation that is fighting to improve UK democracy and championing the rights of voters.

“Only yesterday, constitutional expert Matt Qvortrup said the UK Government should back off from threatening legal action by the UK Supreme Court.

“The question now is will Westminster listen to these growing calls for the referendum to be made in Scotland and decided by the people of Scotland?

“I am also delighted that the ERS wants 16 and 17-year-olds to vote, endorsing the SNP’s stance for young adults to be able to vote in all elections.

“Young adults of this age should be given the right to have their say on Scotland’s future.

“In the face of this growing evidence that the referendum belongs to the people of Scotland, the anti-independence parties must rethink their stance and put the democratic rights of the people of Scotland at the top of their priorities.”

Independence 2014 - and how to stand for photos

Cunninghame South Candidates with
Margaret Burgess MSP & special guest Humza Yousaf MSP

Last nights Cunninghame South branch meeting was busy and buzzing with excitement.  The branch has welcomed nearly 100 new members this year so far.  I know it sounds like the sort of thing that people campaigning just say but there is a tangible sense of excitement and increased energy, it really has started.


Margaret Burgess MSP updated us on some of her activities in the parliament.  The good news that Irvine was announced as Life Sciences enterprise zone being one of the highlights.


Our guest speaker was Humza Yousaf MSP who kept everyone entertained as well as informed sharing his background and vision along with some of the stranger scare stories that had appeared in the press and online about what would happen in an Independent Scotland.  We were all suitably reassured about pandas etc!  Questions and discussion followed on both serious matters of engaging others in the debate, sharing a platform with other parties, figure heads and ambassadors for the yes campaign, that 3rd question and lighter issues too. In answer to Michelle Mones twitter outburst which muppet he would be.....Kermit.  


Also generously shared was the best way to stand for photographs, you'll see from the above pic who listened!  


The branch usually meets on the last Monday of the month at The Volunteer Rooms in Irvine.  Get in touch if you would like information about joining us.

Saturday Voting to boost turnout

For me, imagining an independent Scotland very much includes thinking about how we engage more people in the democratic process.  How we vote might be a good place to start, could there be different ways to the traditional ballet paper?  Participation in shows on TV is huge I wonder, would the same number of folk vote for talent show finalists if they had to go out in the wind and rain to their local school or community centre to do so.  With all our varied ways of communicating and sharing information quickly and easily is it time to take a leaf out of their book when it comes to engaging the people and use an electronic method?


I think so, I appreciate that there are probably cost implications and of course the security and integrity of the data collected would have to be paramount, but as we move forward it's certainly worth investigating.    

I read MSP Humza Yousaf's comments about Saturday voting with interest today and look forward to hearing more when the First Minister announces the referendum consultation on Wednesday.


A story in today’s Courier says that holding the historic vote on a Saturday will be one of the issues up for public discussion as part of the Scottish Government’s consultation document published on Wednesday.

Mr Yousaf, the SNP’s youngest MSP, said:

“This is an extremely interesting idea that could boost voter turnout.

“The vote on Scotland’s constitutional future will be one of the biggest decisions we will ever make as a country – it will be a truly historic day when people are given the chance to choose independence and equality for their country.

“That is why I welcome looking at options on how to boost the number of people who vote, and I look forward to hearing the details when the First Minister announces the consultation document on Wednesday.

“This document will give people the chance to judge the Scottish Government’s proposals and submit their views on how they want the referendum to be run. But we firmly believe the referendum must be built in Scotland and the decision must be made by the people of Scotland.

“It will be a defining point in Scotland’s history so it is vital that those from all political sides in this country are given the best opportunity to come and make their voices heard.”